Learn about current topics and trends in dentistry and the importance of oral health as it relates to overall health from our team of experts.
The Power of Smile ™ Oral Health Library
Stay up to date on the current topics and trends in dentistry. Articles are updated regularly on topics that discuss the importance of oral health as it relates to overall health from our team of experts.
Meet The Clinicians
Learn about current topics and trends in dentistry and the importance of oral health as it relates to overall health from our team of experts.
Eileen Crespo, MD
Dr. Eileen Crespo is the Vice President of Medical Services at Delta Dental of Minnesota. Dr. Crespo is a practicing pediatrician of 20 years. She is currently a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and a member of the Board of Directors at Children’s Dental Service and the Minnesota Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Reena Gajjar, DDS
As a Prosthodontist and Entrepreneur, Dr. Reena Gajjar has founded and scaled services, software and physical solutions niched in the healthcare, technology, education and aesthetic industries. Along with building one of the most successful dental implant training companies in North America, she also built a patient education software company which was a pioneer in the industry. Respected by many as a visionary in innovation, design and data driven decision making, she has also invented a unique cosmetic product, earning a coveted Utility Patent. Always learning, Dr. Gajjar recently completed the Business and Data Analytics graduate program at Harvard University.
Nirmala Prabhu, DMD
Dr. Nirmala Prabhu (Dr. Nina) is the Vice President of Dental Services at Delta Dental of Minnesota. Prior to joining Delta Dental of Minnesota, Dr. Nina was the Director of National Dental Policy and Surveillance and Utilization Review Subsystem (SURS) at Delta Dental of California for 18 years.
R. Bruce Templeton, DMD
Dr. Bruce Templeton is an oral surgeon and has served both on the board and as a medical consultant for Delta Dental of Minnesota since 2011. Dr. Templeton has served as both the Chief of Dentistry and Oral/Maxillofacial Surgery at the Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Health Care System, and as a clinical professor at the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry.
Recent Articles
- Clinician's Corner: Tips for dealing with dry mouth
- Gum disease, tooth loss and heart health
- Preventing early childhood cavities
- Dentists, Your Child and Oral health
- Help Your Child Floss
- Guide to your child’s teeth
- Choosing between a general and pediatric dentist
- Clinician’s Corner: Acidic drinks & your teeth
- Clinician's Corner: Dental dangers on TikTok
- Clinician's Corner: Oral health & the immune system
- Clinician's Corner: Dental Implants
- Ask an Expert: Basics of Toothbrushing
- Clinician's Corner: Dentures do's and don'ts
- Clinician's Corner: Pearls of wisdom... teeth!
- Clinician's Corner: Raising a cavity-free kid
- Clinician's Corner: Tips for dealing with dry mouth
- Clinician's Corner: A beginner's guide to braces
- Clinician's Corner: Losing Baby Teeth
- Clinician's Corner: Baby teeth— the building blocks to a healthy smile
- Clinician’s Corner: Keep kids smiling all summer!
- Clinician’s Corner: Dental Sealants
- Clinician's Corner: Caring for & cleaning braces
- Clinician’s Corner: Teeth grinding & COVID-19
- How the sun can keep your smile shining
- 5 foods you didn’t know were good for your teeth
Featured Articles
Oral health in middle-age (30-50 year olds)
As life and adult years progress, it's important not to neglect oral health. Genetics and lifestyle can contribute to the development of chronic diseases and many of the most common diseases can have connections to one’s oral health.
The connection between diabetes and oral health
Did you know that those who have gum (periodontal) disease are at greater risk for diabetes? The reverse is also true. Gum disease is a risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes. This demonstrates the strong connection between diabetes and dental health.
Athletic mouthguards to protect teeth
Just as helmets, knee pads or other protective equipment should be worn during certain sports and activities, mouthguards are also crucial for protection from injury. Contact sports or activities that cause collision can be especially risky to your mouth and teeth. Find out which sports and activities require a mouthguard and the different types and benefits that are offered.
Osteoporosis medications & oral health
For people who take bone-strengthening medications such as those used to treat osteoporosis, related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) can develop after dental treatments that involve the bone. This is known as antiresorptive therapy and is common today. Let's take a look at this connection between certain medications and oral health.
Gum disease, tooth loss and heart health
Most people may not be aware of the distinct connection between the health of their gums and the health of their heart. If you care for your oral health, you are also caring for the rest of your body because of the link between dental and overall health.
Preventing early childhood cavities
Yes, even baby teeth are at risk of cavities. It's important to start caring for your child's teeth as soon as they erupt so that you can enjoy their happy & healthy smiles for years to come. Learn about the risk of early child cavities and how to prevent them in this post.
Clinician's Corner: Dental dangers on TikTok
Many people turn to social media for ideas, advice and "hacks" to make improvements to their lifestyle or routine. Before using any of the tips you find on TikTok or elsewhere regarding your oral health and dental routine, be aware that some of these are dangerous and can damage your teeth. Practicing pediatrician Dr. Crespo explains why some popular TikTok trends should be avoided all together in order to keep you safe and healthy.
Clinician’s Corner: Acidic drinks & your teeth
Many foods and beverages create an acidic environment in your mouth that can cause decay and erosion of enamel over time. This can lead to cavities. Learn about which beverages to drink and which to avoid in order to protect your teeth.
Clinician's Corner: Oral health & the immune system
A strong immune system is one of the main goals of healthy living and is necessary for good health and fitness. In this segment of Clinician's Corner, Dr. Templeton explains how your oral health can affect your immune system's ability to fight disease and keep you healthy.
Clinician's Corner: Caring for & cleaning braces
In this segment of Clinician's Corner, Dr. Nina Prabhu explains the main ways you should care for and clean your braces to maintain good oral health.
Clinician’s Corner: Dental Sealants
Dr. Templeton explains the importance of dental sealants as part of regular preventive care. Learn how dental sealants can keep cavities from forming on molars in both children and adults.
Clinician’s Corner: Keep kids smiling all summer!
Some kids might struggle to keep up with a healthy dental routine over the summer. Here are some tips to keep kids on track with brushing teeth and flossing from pediatrician Dr. Eileen Crespo.